Alternating Current
Power Factor Calculator
Use Power Factor to calculate power factor from real and apparent power. The loaded example shows the arithmetic with practical electrical units.
Enter values for power factor
Use one consistent electrical operating case for all fields.
How Power Factor works
The stated formula is PF = P ÷ S. Power Factor uses Real power, Apparent power to report Power factor.
With the loaded values, power factor evaluates to 0.818. Retain the initial result as the comparison baseline.
Inputs for Power Factor
Real power and Apparent power belong to Power Factor. Keep source units with real power.
Replace every example value with data from one documented operating condition.
- Real power
- Example entry: 1800 W.
- Apparent power
- Example entry: 2200 VA.
Reading the Power Factor result
This output represents Power Factor. Inductive reactance belongs in the separate Inductive Reactance worksheet.
The result informs selection but does not approve a component or installation.
Measurement and units
Use RMS quantities unless a field explicitly asks for peak amplitude. Check prefixes on real power. Use Power Factor Correction Calculator as the follow-up for required capacitor reactive power.
Compare scenarios only when their measurement points and unit conventions match.
Limits of this calculation
A valid power factor lies between zero and one. For bandwidth, use Resonance Bandwidth Calculator.
The displayed formula isolates the stated electrical quantity. Unentered effects remain outside Power Factor.
A useful Power Factor comparison
Record power factor before testing a different real power value.
Document the alternate real power source.
Power Factor record notes
Record source and operating details for real power.
Retain raw power factor beside its selected rating.
Questions about Power Factor
What does Power Factor calculate?
Power Factor reports power factor.
Can Real power be zero?
For Power Factor, measure any zero real power directly.